A chilling trend in theft of metals

September 4, 2008|Jerome Burdi

Now thieves are targeting the copper coils in air conditioners.

Delray Beach police are investigating two cases of copper theft over the Labor Day weekend in the 200 block of Southeast Fifth Avenue. Thieves stripped coils and wiring from the air conditioning units at La Cigale restaurant and an office space.

Thousands of dollars worth of the semi-precious metal was stolen, police said. In the past year, law enforcement agencies statewide have investigated cases in which materials - mostly copper and aluminum - were stolen for their scrap value.

Thieves have targeted public parks, fast-food restaurants and cemeteries.